Senior Estimator – Residential

MDS Staffing; Dublin (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

MDS Staffing in Columbus, OH seeks a Senior Estimator – Residential to lead preconstruction estimates for large-scale multi-family, apartment, HUD, OFHA, and senior housing projects.

You will manage the estimating lifecycle, support takeoffs and pricing, apply value engineering, and present cost data to clients while building relationships with owners, architects, and subcontractors. Relocation assistance available.

Qualifications

• 4 to 7 years of estimating experience focused on large multi-family residential, apartments, and senior housing.
• HUD and OFHA estimating guidelines experience.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills to drive subcontractor engagement and client trust.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Estimating: Lead, create, and complete full project estimates; review and correct estimates from others.
• Bidding & Scoping: Set up qualified subcontractor bid lists and analyze bids and scopes.
• Takeoffs & Pricing: Complete detailed On-Screen Takeoffs with current market pricing.
• Value Engineering: Research materials, propose alternatives, and cost VE ideas.
• Preconstruction Planning: Develop preliminary schedules and staffing/GC requirements.
• Client & Partner Relations: Prepare cost presentations and maintain relationships with owners, architects, and subcontractors.

Skills

Estimating experience

Communication

Subcontractor engagement

Tools

On-Screen Takeoffs

Job description

Senior Estimator – Residential

Location: Columbus, OH (Relocation assistance available)

Compensation: $110,000 – $125,000 + bonuses (negotiable based on experience)

The Role

Lead comprehensive preconstruction estimates for large-scale multi-family, apartment, HUD, OFHA, and senior housing projects. You will manage the entire estimating lifecycle, foster key industry relationships, and present accurate cost data directly to clients.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Estimating: Lead, create, and complete full project estimates. Review, analyze, and correct estimates produced by other team members.


• Bidding & Scoping: Set up qualified subcontractor bid lists, proactively call subs to drive participation, and thoroughly analyze submitted bids and scopes.


• Takeoffs & Pricing: Complete detailed On-Screen Takeoffs utilizing a strong understanding of current market and unit pricing.


• Value Engineering: Research specified materials, source viable alternatives, and develop value engineering ideas with associated costs.


• Preconstruction Planning: Develop preliminary preconstruction schedules and outline project staffing and General Condition requirements.


• Client & Partner Relations: Prepare presentation documents and professionally present cost information to clients. Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, and subcontractors.

Requirements

• 4 to 7 years of estimating experience focused on large multi-family residential, apartments, and senior housing.


• Specific experience with HUD and OFHA estimating guidelines.


• Strong communication and relationship-building skills to drive subcontractor engagement and client trust.